To say that real estate is a cyclical business is an understatement. Our current market is challenging, and in response, real estate professionals are finding ways to adapt. We always do. 

The recent announcement by Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Mark Carney that will make it possible for municipal development charges in Ontario to be reduced up to 50 per cent is welcome indeed for the new homes industry.

Did you know if you assign the numbers 1 to 26 (in order) to the letters of the alphabet, the word "attitude" adds up to 100 per cent? 

Anyone working in the real estate industry, especially pre-construction houses and condominiums, understands this is a cyclical business. Savvy real estate professionals have faith the market will eventually come back, and pass on that optimism to clients and potential clients.

Despite the doom-and-gloom media pronouncing obituaries for our housing market in Canada, the big picture hints at a welcome recovery to come. Real estate is a desirable asset that goes in cycles and after a low, it always comes back.

I've been saying for quite a while we need creative thinking and cooperation to solve the housing crisis. On Sept. 14, the Canadian government launched Build Canada Homes to work toward building affordable housing at scale and at speed.

It is well known that in Canada, we are facing a shortage of affordable dwellings, whether they be ownership or rental. In addition, much of our rental stock is comprised of homeowners who lease their houses or condominiums for whatever reason.

Since taking office, Prime Minister Carney has met with King Charles, French President Macron and U.S. President Trump. This is impressive, but it's time to focus on what is happening right here at home - including housing.

The short answer to the question of whether there is a solution to our housing affordability situation is: Yes. The longer and more complicated answer is also yes: IF all three levels of government work together.

When purchasing real estate as a condo investor looking for a suite that will rent successfully, there are many things to consider, such as a location that will attract renters, local and building amenities, quality, builder reputation, etc. Investing can be a lucrative financial strategy when all these items are approached wisely. 

Anyone involved in the real estate industry in Canada understands it's a cyclical business, especially after a recession. Understanding these cycles and other factors at play in housing markets, can help you make an informed decision about buying or selling.

For years – in fact, since long before the pandemic – new home builders and developers in Ontario have been asking all three levels of our governments to take action when it comes to lack of affordability and lack of supply.

New home real estate, along with several other industries, is still feeling the effects of the pandemic and interest rate rises, yet Barbara Lawlor, president and CEO of Baker Real Estate, feels we’re well on our way to recovery.

As we plunge into 2024, we see the new home real estate market regaining some of its lost footage from the past few years, when life threw so many curves at us.

It’s called adaptive reuse, and it may help to solve some of our lack-of-housing-supply problems in the Greater Toronto Area when approvals can be obtained.

The Mustel Group marketing firm and Sotheby’s International Realty Canada conducted a study called “2023 Canadian Real Estate Market Sentiment: Generational Trends Report”, an extensive study on the confidence levels Canadians between the ages of 18 and 77.